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China’s military
ChinaMilitary

Drone tech gives China an edge in Middle East arms sales, but Israel-Gaza war brings risks: analysts

  • China’s hi-tech, low-cost UAVs have proven to be popular among countries from the Middle East to North Africa and Pakistan
  • But aligning systems with dominant Western weaponry and balancing regional ties presents challenge, observers say

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CATIC showcases its AR-2000 shipborne uncrewed aerial system at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. Photo: X@intel1osint100
Seong Hyeon Choi
China’s advanced drone technology could be a stepping stone for its defence industry’s outreach to the Middle East, analysts say, while also warning of hurdles ahead as the region becomes increasingly unstable following the Israel-Gaza war.
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More than 30 Chinese commercial and defence contractors showcased their products at last week’s Dubai Airshow. These included their latest aerial vehicles and weapons systems, with arms producers focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technology.

State-owned China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation displayed its AR-2000 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) internationally for the first time during the November 13-17 event.

Although the vehicle’s specifications remain confidential, the drone is known to have completed its maiden flight earlier this year. And despite it still being in the testing phase, the Chinese military has already placed an order for the UAS, according to Defence News.

The version displayed in the air show is said to be developed for ship-based operations, featuring short, folding wings and a large surveillance radar pod mounted under the nose. A VIP event before the air show opened to the public reportedly featured a vehicle armed with short-range guided missiles.

It comes as China increases its global defence industry foothold, including in the Middle East, with drones as a major export.

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